Debt-busting church celebrates six months of success

A CHURCH project to help people who are suffering from personal and financial problems has celebrated its first six months of operating.

The Space4 initiative, led by the Anglican church of St Michaels and All Angels which also champions the cause of exclusion and personal wellbeing in the Houghton area, has celebrated the first six months of success at an open house event.

Among those attending were the Right Revd Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow, the Mayor and Mayoress of Sunderland, Councillor Bob Heron and his wife Juliana, who, along with invited guests from the church and community partners gathered at the Space4 headquarters, which is in the library in Houghton town centre.

The project was launched in November 2013 and has seen huge interest from clients, partners and associates alike.

It helps those in times of trouble by providing time and support, and runs its own credit union.

The Revd Canon Sue Pinnington, Rector of St Michael and All Angels, said: “This is a great project, but it is very sad that in this day and age we need to have projects like this at all in order to help the most needy in our society.

She added: “I am immensely proud of the project and the team.”

Bishop Mark said: “This is yet just another example of the Church getting alongside people supporting communities and making things happen.

“It’s a credit to the Church-lead team bringing partners together in support of those who can be so easily forgotten.